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ZIMBABWE PH SALARY BREAKDOWN Folks wanted to shed light on what a standard PH earns in Zimbabwe and the current expenses just to show you where the guys stand and to show you that any additional expenses are out of reach. Annual salary ( variable ) Based on 130 days/ annum @ $ 200/ day Annual salary $ 26 000 Average tips @ $ 100/ day , $ 13 000 ( variable ) Total income $ 39 000 The above is based on a season of 130 days ( many good PH's do around 175 days/ annum ) I have not added in commissions for hunts sold @ 15 % of daily rates, this is variable but could be around $ 10 000/ annum Annual expenses This is based on a married PH with 2 kids at junior school. Being in Zimbabwe I have added a rental NOT a homeowner PH as most PH's rent a home as they cannot afford cash for a house. Cruiser insurance ( fully comp ) $ 2 000/ annum Medical aid ( family of 4, international ) $ 3 850/ annum Rental ( 12 x $ 800 ) $ 9 600/ annum Staff pay including trackers ( 4 x $ 200/ month ) $ 9 600/ annum PH licence $ 200/ annum ZPHGA fee $ 150/ annum Phone ( 2 x $ 100/ month ) $ 2 400/ annum Internet ( $ 70/ month ) $ 840/ annum TV ( $ 70/ month ) $ 840/ annum Living expenses ( basic living: food/ drink @ $ 1000/ month ) $ 12 000/ annum Fuel ( based on 2 vehicles @ $ 300/ month ) $ 3 600/ annum Vehicle services $ 2 000/ annum on basic maintenance Electricity ( $ 200/ month ) $ 2 400/ annum Water ( $ 100/ month ) $ 1 200/ annum Rates and taxes ( $ 40/ month ) $ 480/ annum Total $ 49 160 I have not taken into consideration travel to the US for annual marketing ( approx. $ 5000 ) I have not taken into consideration a family trip ( basic holiday for the wife and kids on the zambezi, nothing special ) I have not taken into consideration ammunition/ rifle permits/ licences I have not taken into consideration 6 new tyres @ $ 300 each, $ 1800/ annum I have not taken into consideration breakdowns that may occur ( these could be major ) I have not taken into consideration field trips for school/ school clothes I have not taken into consideration family dental issues not covered by medical insurance I have not taken into consideration that most guys have a generator and this needs fuel and services ( we do not have power ) I have not taken into consideration that most PH's buy water to live at home as we often go weeks without water from the municipality ( average is $ 65/ load of 5000L ) I have not taken into consideration PH's looking after their parents that have been let down in Zimbabwe with the Zimbabwe $ pension deal and the crash of our currency in 200/2009 ( most PH's pay for their parents medical aid and living expenses ) I have not taken into consideration tax which is damn high over here. As you can see the average PH actually earns less than he spends, he hunts for love, it is his passion. Adding an insurance is not possible, what does he forfeit, family medical, electricity, vehicle maintenance. I hope this gives you an insight into the financials of the average PH. Question: Who would be happy paying an extra $ 200/ day on their daily rates to go directly to the PH, or guarantee $ 300/ day minimum gratuity for good service!! Therefore guaranteeing that the PH gets $ 500/ day and can therefore afford accident insurance or a liability insurance. If Zimbabwe daily rates were the same as Botswana or Tanzania or a few other places I have not mentioned, PH's would earn more, period and would be able to cover themselves ' in case of'......... Folks believe me when I say that PH's, ( and I speak for Zimbabwe as I do not have knowledge of expenses elsewhere ) are PH's for the love of the sport, for the wildlife, it is not a get rich quick scheme, most live day to day and pray their vehicle does not break, pray that there are no extra expenses. There is NO saving at the end of the day!! Just a thought! Cheers Mart martinpieterssafaris@gmail.com www.martinpieterssafaris.com " hunt as if it's your last one you'll ever be on" | ||
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Hey Mart, 130 days X $200 is $26,000 not $32,000, Sorry to pick up on this,must be a Byo thing, ha,ha, But well explained Marty,and your expenses excludes any school fee's for those that have Children at high school ( 12k - 14K per child a year ) As we know,many PH's are pulling out of the industry, cause they just can't survive anymore,the way things are these days.But for those us still hunting,lets hope we have a good one next year. | |||
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Martin, Your breakdown above does not make sense at all. Are you really trying to tell us that a PH actually pays out of his own pockets $4,160 just so he can go hunting? | |||
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Pete thanks too many figures, amended. Saeed, based on the above ( 130 day season # an average of $ 200/ day with no commissions and the tips listed ), yes! Mart martinpieterssafaris@gmail.com www.martinpieterssafaris.com " hunt as if it's your last one you'll ever be on" | |||
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You have to forgive him. He rides motorbikes. And all the PHs I know who ride motorbikes have even less between their ears than normal PH. I know, it really is hard to believe!  | |||
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Thanks for that Saeed, out of hospital now, Alan was in fits when I fell, no serious injuries except a few bust ribs! All good for the Xmas season.  martinpieterssafaris@gmail.com www.martinpieterssafaris.com " hunt as if it's your last one you'll ever be on" | |||
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Hey I have a bike,but try not to ride it too much.. for sale if you interested Marty | |||
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Martin, I did all sorts of idiotic things in my younger days. But luckily I never liked motor bikes. My father used to ask whenever I came home injured "are you trying to kill yourself again?" I totalled three cars, and did not even get a scratch! Again, my father used to say the first thing I did when I got a new car was remove the accelerator return spring. That way it stays floored and I don't need to push on it! Glad you are out of hospital. I haven't spoken to Alan for a while. But apparently the news of your adventure has been making the rounds in Zimbabwe. We are off to the mountains in a few days time, where I provide entertainment for the public! I don't know how to ski well, but I manage to get down any slope, regardless of colour! Last year I fell from the ski lift. A couple of years earlier I was on one of those bottom lifts - the one that pulls you up the mountain. It slipped from between my legs, and I held it by my hands - and went up the mountain hanging on. I think I gained about 3 inches in hight after that! | |||
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Martin, I agree with Saeed (for once) those figures don't make alot of sense. The big one that stands out is the expense of shows. If he is a hired PH what is he doing going to the states for show. It is the outfitters responsibility to obtain the hunts. The other expenses seem to be a bit inflated, but I don't live in Zim. | |||
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They are all realistic if not under inflated expenses for Zimbabwe. Regarding shows, most companies require PH's to foot the bill for air tickets and then they get ' prime hunts' for the next season, for example I worked for Jeff Rann for 10 years in Botswana, and paid my way over every year!! A lot of PH's these days have additional jobs such as guiding, vegetable farming, cattle etc to get by! martinpieterssafaris@gmail.com www.martinpieterssafaris.com " hunt as if it's your last one you'll ever be on" | |||
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100% Realistic figures | |||
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This post will not win me many friends but here's the reality from my side of the pond. I wish I could work 130 days a year and make a living. I work no less than 240 days a year. That allows me to save via frugality so I can now provide someone in Africa every other year with some of his 130 days. I guess I'm getting a bit worn out with talks of liability, income, insurance, and expenses as it relates to African hunting. ______________________ DRSS ______________________ Hunt Reports 2015 His & Her Leopards with Derek Littleton of Luwire Safaris - http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2971090112 2015 Trophy Bull Elephant with CMS http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/1651069012 DIY Brooks Range Sheep Hunt 2013 - http://forums.accuratereloadin...901038191#9901038191 Zambia June/July 2012 with Andrew Baldry - Royal Kafue http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7971064771 Zambia Sept 2010- Muchinga Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4211096141 Namibia Sept 2010 - ARUB Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6781076141 | |||
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Let me start by saying that I have a lot of current and former guide friends. (most of them eventually grow out of it and get jobs in the real world, or become outfitters to make ends meet) That being said, if there is not enough money in being a PH , then dont do it, and if you decide to do it for whatever reason, then please stop whining about it, or raise your prices.... P | |||
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And that is the reality of it. The second job funds the vocation of being a PH, and provides for any additional income and any savings for the PH. Seen the same here in Oz. Maybe the above needs an allowance for supplying their own landcruiser, I forget? Imagine being an apprentice PH and getting $25 a day ... and then have the outfitter charge them for every breakage that occurs ... However sometimes it is also necessary to look at the outfitter and what their margins are. I know some with multiple houses.  | |||
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Realistic figures and living in an African country you get very little for your taxes.....education, security and looking after aspects that are taken for granted in other countries adds up quickly I dont think anyone is whining, just setting a few facts straight and answering those that made a few suggestions that as good as they sound are not realistic If daily rates got hiked then you would hear whining! Clients all want to hunt with top draw, experienced PH's who run good camps, reliable vehicles and have a proven track record. Those guys are generally in their mid 30's and upwards and have a family to support. Many PH's guys hang up their guns and change vocation cause hunting just doesnt provide enough and in doing so the industry loses some outstanding professionals | |||
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I stand corrected, the only PH's I have hunted with that I then saw at shows were PH's with their own company. I have never seen a "for hire" PH that I have hunted with at a show. When I have hunted with the "for hire" PHs and ask them if I would see them at the shows they have all said no, would like to come but can't afford the trip. I can understand that as I worked for 40 yrs before I could afford to travel abroad and the first trip was for hunting. | |||
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'Get a job in the real world?' Our world is much more real than yours mate. And besides no one tells me what I want out of life and that would be my decision only. I have seen, discovered, experienced stuff that you only dream of and sure that comes with a price. And who is whining? The fact is that within our income bracket there are few luxuries we can afford and one being the high cost of insurance. Another being classy prostitutes. I work virtually everyday of the year to be in this game because it is worth protecting because Africa calls my name. It is that simple. ROYAL KAFUE LTD Email - kafueroyal@gmail.com Tel/Whatsapp (00260) 975315144 Instagram - kafueroyal | |||
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I am not surprised by Martin's figures. It has been obvious to me that PHs have to have another line of work besides hunting to survive. I think it is probably worse in the RSA as PHs there are truly a dime a dozen. STAY IN THE FIGHT! | |||
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It varies immensely from country to country, outfitter to outfitter & individual to individual. At one end of the scale you have outfitters that expect their PHs to work for no salary at all but get to keep whatever tip the client may offer & at the other you have some that pay promptly & well........... and then of course, there's always those outfitters/safari companies etc that (often) offer the world but then either fail to pay all or part of the season's salary or pay late (often) in dribs & drabs. It's been suggested on occasion that PHs make big money but the truth is most do no better than scrape a living but have a lot of fun along the way. Agents aren't always lily white either. | |||
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WOW, it is now who's world is more real than an others. | |||
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Sorry I thought I simplified it? In Africa you work or die. ROYAL KAFUE LTD Email - kafueroyal@gmail.com Tel/Whatsapp (00260) 975315144 Instagram - kafueroyal | |||
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 damn, maybe I don't tip enough? | |||
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You guys tip plenty. It is often referred to as tax. After all you have a crippled and disabled nation to support? ROYAL KAFUE LTD Email - kafueroyal@gmail.com Tel/Whatsapp (00260) 975315144 Instagram - kafueroyal | |||
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Mart, I appreciate you putting this out as it gives me a whole different picture from what I imagined...be it known I've never hunted DG in Africa only a PG hunt in Namibia 2008. Yet, I'm here every day on this forum because I'm fascinated about Africa, her people/culture, and beautiful land...I'm always learning something new. I knew PH's had a very tough job but their bottom-line at the end of the season a constant financial struggle. I salute all you PH's of integrity just trying to make it for you and your family season after season.  You provide THE WORLD to the "safari tourist hunter" year in and year out. I greatly esteem you all and more since light has been shed on this. If it were me seriously....get all of ZIM to raise their DAILY RATES across the board and get your PH's the monies they deserve...if folks want to hunt Zim...MAKE them pay to cover the EXPENSES for at least the AVERAGE ZIM PH and His family!!! Those who want to play have to pay...simple! I wish you Zim PH's only the BEST!!! | |||
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What about the PH`wife, she should also have a income right?? If I had too pay for all the familys expences myself I would also be way short on money. And thats after 240 days of work. | |||
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Some work & some have kids to look after just like anyone else. I should have said in my previous post that young, newly qualified PHs have an especially hard time of it...... I'm pretty much retired now but we used to get several emails a month from young guys offering to work for free in exchange for the chance to come along on DG hunts so they get the experience. | |||
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Yes I can see the bottom line is that they have to do it because they love it. | |||
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40K as a PH, given the length of the hunting season, doesn't surprise me. Middle class and upper middle class Americans are often surprised to find how hard others work for "x" dollars. I have caught myself wondering how some of my employees paid their bills and have been surprised and grateful for how hard they worked for me. The market pays and bears what it will. I can't stay in business by paying a receptionist 80K per year even if doing so makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Hunting: Exercising dominion over creation at 2800 fps. | |||
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+1   | |||
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The guides financial world is much the same this side of the pond. It is a labour of love for sure and everyone I knows that has to leave that life longs for it everafter. Great way to live, but seldom a great living! Jim | |||
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My mother told me years ago what you have at the end is not determined by what you make but rather what you spend and it is shame our government hasn't learned that lesson. Spending is always a matter of priorities. | |||
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Seriously!!!! That can be said about anywhere. I saved for years to make a dream come true. And that dream was to hunt Africa, if I was to put my wage breakdown and expenses I have just to survive here in Hawaii your eyes would bulge out of your head. My point is its a worlwide struggle to survive in this day and age. I ate ramen noodles for over a year so I could save up enough to go. And I work 3 jobs n BARELY MAKING ENDS MEET! Single parent with 3 kids to support. So not only PH's struggle. Us hunters do to as well and like the PH's we hunt with its a labor of love. Dom Hunting its not a Hobby its My Way of Life!!! | |||
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I would dispute that claim. I have had patients who have not had a job in 20 years and they are obese. They are surviving somehow and I will not venture a guess how without this turning into a political thread. ______________________ DRSS ______________________ Hunt Reports 2015 His & Her Leopards with Derek Littleton of Luwire Safaris - http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2971090112 2015 Trophy Bull Elephant with CMS http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/1651069012 DIY Brooks Range Sheep Hunt 2013 - http://forums.accuratereloadin...901038191#9901038191 Zambia June/July 2012 with Andrew Baldry - Royal Kafue http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7971064771 Zambia Sept 2010- Muchinga Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4211096141 Namibia Sept 2010 - ARUB Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6781076141 | |||
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Ultra Mag I hear you. What I meant was there is no social security to fall back on. ROYAL KAFUE LTD Email - kafueroyal@gmail.com Tel/Whatsapp (00260) 975315144 Instagram - kafueroyal | |||
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Frostbit, What are you disputing? I didn't have a job for years and literally lived off the land hunting,fishing and spearfishing. But it was a struggle. So you are saying in Alaska no ones struggling to survive? I say BS! My best friends wifes dad is a guide in alaska and they are struggling. FG, Understood Aloha, Dom Hunting its not a Hobby its My Way of Life!!! | |||
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You are placing words in my mouth. Correct, plenty of people struggle to survive both in Alaska and in other parts of the U.S. There are also people in Alaska and in other parts of the U.S. who live off of welfare, food stamps (Incorrect term for the debit card they now get),section 8 housing, State disability payments and as I said have not worked a day for the last twenty years. Trust me, they are not hunter gatherers trying to get by. My post was in relation to Fairgame saying there is no "social security" in Zambia, of which I suspect he was referring to all the "social programs" I just listed. Like I said, I have no wish to turn this into a political thread. ______________________ DRSS ______________________ Hunt Reports 2015 His & Her Leopards with Derek Littleton of Luwire Safaris - http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2971090112 2015 Trophy Bull Elephant with CMS http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/1651069012 DIY Brooks Range Sheep Hunt 2013 - http://forums.accuratereloadin...901038191#9901038191 Zambia June/July 2012 with Andrew Baldry - Royal Kafue http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7971064771 Zambia Sept 2010- Muchinga Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4211096141 Namibia Sept 2010 - ARUB Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6781076141 | |||
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I believe he is disputing your statement "that can said about anywhere" in reference to fairgame stating "in Africa you work or die". In the US, you most certainly DO NOT have to work in order to live. The poor here have food, shelter and medical care provided to them at no cost (to them). Hell, we even give them cell phones! They pretty much work only for alcohol, tobacco or drug money. Only in America are the poorest the fattest. Hunting: Exercising dominion over creation at 2800 fps. | |||
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Been to Africa now 4 times (hopefully, many more trips to follow!). I have said many times that our poorest of people (here in eastern Kentucky) are millionaires compared to the communal Africans I have witnessed. We are a very spoiled country and that is why many other countries do not like us! But, I think our time is coming if things continue down the Obama lane. Just my 2 cents worth. Skip Nantz | |||
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Late, are you suggesting that the professional hunters in Zim practice collusion to artificially raise the rates without competing? Or, are you saying that the Zim government should just set a rate for everyone? If so, both of these practices have seriously bad long term consequences. Martin, in your income list, you stated $100 per day or so for gratuities. I can only speak for myself on this matter; should the ph tell me they want a certain amount per day for a tip (I had that happen), I might get really stingy in a hurry. However, if the hunt has been a good experience, I can get very generous just as quickly. As far as the previously mentioned ph, I did pay what he asked due to the fact I was sick of the scumbag and just wanted him to be somewhere where I wasn't. | |||
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I hunted with one of Martin's Phs and his concern was more with tips for the staff and didn't even hint about an appropriate tip for himself. Saying that, according to Martin's guideline, I over tipped. Frank "I don't know what there is about buffalo that frightens me so.....He looks like he hates you personally. He looks like you owe him money." - Robert Ruark, Horn of the Hunter, 1953 NRA Life, SAF Life, CRPA Life, DRSS lite | |||
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The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting African Big Game Hunting ZIMBABWE PH SALARY BREAKDOWN
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